Olympus PEN E-PM2 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC G5 — Which Is Better?
Side by side47 specifications |
Olympus · Mirrorless · 16.1 MP · Micro Four Thirds · Full HD video
Olympus PEN E-PM2
51
WINNER
|
Panasonic · Mirrorless · 16.05 MP · Micro Four Thirds · Full HD video
Panasonic Lumix DMC G5
47
SCORE
|
|---|---|---|
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| General | ||
Read the General ComparisonGeneralThe Olympus PEN E-PM2 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC G5 are both 2012 mirrorless cameras sharing the Micro Four Thirds mount. Either body takes the same native lenses, keeping lens choice open whichever you buy. Their body designs differ. The E-PM2 is the compact carry option at 110 x 64 x 34 mm and 269 g. The larger G5, at 120 x 83 x 71 mm and 396 g, fits a built-in electronic viewfinder the PEN body omits. | ||
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2012 | 2012 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
September 17, 2012 | July 18, 2012 |
| Camera type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 110 x 64 x 34 mm | 120 x 83 x 71 mm |
| Camera weight | 269 g | 396 g |
| Optics | 55/100 | 46/100 |
Read the Optics ComparisonOpticsThe E-PM2 is the stronger choice for handheld stills in dim interiors, because it offers in-body stabilisation while the G5 does not. With any lens mounted, the E-PM2 steadies the sensor to reduce blur from camera shake in low light, while G5 shooters need a stabilised lens for the same help. Resolution is effectively matched, at 16.1 MP against 16.05 MP, so neither offers a meaningful cropping advantage. For fast action the E-PM2 pulls ahead, combining an 8 fps burst with 35 autofocus points against the G5's 6 fps and 23. Its ISO settings reach 25600, against 12800 on the G5. | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
16.1 MP050 | 16.05 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
4608 x 3456 | 4608 x 3456 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
13 x 17.3 | 13 x 17.3 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
 Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
8 fps045 | 6 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Micro 4/3 | Micro 4/3 |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
TruePic VI | Venus Engine VII FHD |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
 4:3 | 4:3 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
20030200 | 16030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
256003003280000 | 128003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
10030200 | 16030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
256003003280000 | 128003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 6044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
400080032000 | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
350300 | 230300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
 Yes | No |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
None | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | 144000009900000 |
| Video | 43/100 | 56/100 |
Read the Video ComparisonVideoThe G5 is the pick for smooth motion, with a maximum video frame rate of 60 fps against 30 fps on the E-PM2. That doubled rate enables slow-motion playback of children, pets or sports. Both cameras top out at Full HD resolution, so neither offers 4K recording. Recording formats differ, with the G5 writing AVCHD and MP4 files and the E-PM2 producing MOV and AVI, which matters for your editing workflow. | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
 Yes | Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
 Full HD | Full HD |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
30 fps | 60 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✗ | ✗ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
MOV, AVI | AVCHD, MP4 |
| Features | 49/100 | 54/100 |
Read the Features ComparisonFeaturesThe G5 is more versatile for awkward angles, with an articulating screen for waist-level or overhead compositions. The E-PM2's fixed screen lacks that freedom, and the G5's display is sharper at 920000 dots against 460000. The G5 also carries a built-in flash for fill light, while the E-PM2 needs an external unit, though both accept one. Each has a 3-inch touch screen for tap-to-focus. Neither includes GPS or wireless connectivity, so geotagging and remote transfer need add-ons or manual effort. | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
No |  Yes |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
 Yes | Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen type | LCD | TFT LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
 Yes | Yes |
| Screen size | 3" | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
4600001150001500000 | 9200001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
No |  Yes |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
 Yes | Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✗ | ✗ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | 21/100 | 21/100 |
Read the Storage & battery ComparisonStorage and BatteryStorage choices match, with both cameras writing to SD, SDHC and SDXC cards in a single slot. Neither offers a second slot for backup. The E-PM2 holds the modest battery edge, rated for 360 shots per charge against 320 on the G5. Each uses its own battery pack, the BLS-5 in the Olympus and the DMW-BLC12 in the Panasonic, and neither charges over USB, so a separate charger travels with either camera. | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | BLS-5 | DMW-BLC12 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
360 shots1505000 | 320 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
Read: Verdict
Verdict
Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC G5 for moving family action, tilting compositions and bright outdoor scenes. Its 60 fps maximum video frame rate, flip-out screen, built-in flash and electronic viewfinder make it the more complete tool for varied angles.
Choose the Olympus PEN E-PM2 for a lighter camera on everyday carry or handheld shooting in dim rooms. Its sensor stabilisation, 8 fps burst and wider autofocus coverage serve spontaneous low-light shooting well. Both share the Micro Four Thirds mount, so your lenses carry across either decision.